A letter to first-year students

I was asked by the Optometry Today (OT) to write a piece delving into the adaption of learning virtually and the importance of balancing that all important recuperation and rest time. You can find that post here!

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Looking back to your first year, could you describe how you felt when you knew you would be starting your optometry degree?

It was a proud moment, after studying incredibly hard throughout A-Levels to secure my place it was exciting to know I was finally embarking on the next stage of life. The feeling of trepidation about whether I would adapt to university life, make friends and be able to cope with the intensive demands of the course soon grew!

In your experience, what has the first year of the optometry course involved and what were some of the challenges, and high points, of the first year? Though this upcoming year may look different due to COVID-19, what would you say to first-years about the course they are set to join?

The first year of the course has strongly set foundations of the scientific and practical knowledge that is required to be a good Optometrist. The highly practical nature meant that on the second week I had an Ophthalmoscope in my hands and was getting to grips with a fundamental part of an eye examination. This meant that I was never bored or disillusioned with theory because of the exciting new skills I was developing. Meeting fellow student optometrists at different stages whether graduates, mature or international students I found it rewarding to see that we all wanted to help others. I would say to new students, now more than ever, you need to step outside your comfort zone and engage with others to make new friends! At my university there is a large cohort, so now with limited campus contact you might not get to meet as many people as you may have done before.

What were some of the more academic/study challenges for you in the first-year? Considering the new post-COVID world that students will be entering, how do you think this may impact these areas?

I found getting to grips with a new modality of learning particularly difficult – what worked for GCSE’s and A-Levels might not work now. Rather than sitting in a classroom or reading a textbook the variety of ways you learn new material makes it necessary for you to adapt. Particularly this semester, to reduce the spread of Covid-19, in person contact is going to be much less and getting to grips with online learning and resources is crucial. I admit, it took me a while to find the right study style – even now I feel it’s ever changing. Ensuring you have enough time out is imperative, to allow you to grow as a person as well as academically.

What were some of the more personal challenges of student life and how did you overcome these? What tips might you have for the first-years joining in this new environment?

Personally, I was apprehensive starting university, I didn’t know if I was going to make new friends. You often see on social media university glamourized and you are unsure of how to navigate this unfamiliar territory. The best thing you can do to overcome this is to RELAX – everything will fall into place like a jigsaw, give it time. Especially this next year, you might find yourself in your bedroom a lot more, it is important to separate you study zone and chill zone, so that you can switch off fully and recharge, otherwise you might find yourself burning out.

Having experienced the past term of university (and your own first year) impacted by COVID-19 challenges and the lockdown, what would you say about the experience of virtual lectures or assessments?

I can say, it isn’t as bad as it first sounds, it is actually pretty handy to be able to morph your study schedule to fit around your other commitments and hobbies. However, it will mean you need to be more organised when you plan to allocate what you do- I know I definitely felt the days fall into a blur and lost motivation. Despite this, I will say I miss in person assessments, there is something satisfying about leaving the exam hall knowing it is all done and dusted. The lack of practical work and assessment was a shame last term but hopefully new alterations will be made to accommodate this moving forward.

Could you offer first-years an insight into how your course/university reacted to the challenges of COVID-19, and what the year ahead may look like (if you have heard)?

Most universities have declared online lectures and virtual learning a key strategy, with synchronous and asynchronous learning playing a key role. I know certainly at Aston University the Optometry department made a comprehensive plan back in March 2020 which reassured students - with communication playing a big role in alleviating any worries.

Looking back on your university experience so far – what would be something you would tell your first-year self if you could go back?

I would tell myself, when everyone says “university goes so quickly”, believe me it does. Therefore, enjoy every second while you can, keep up to date with your work and take time for yourself.

Would you have an overarching comment for first-year students due to begin their optometry courses in September after the challenging past few months?

Keep positive, the virus is going to accelerate developments in Optometry and how it’s practiced. This will be reflected in the way we study and are trained but don’t worry, this will in the long-term leading to innovation and improvements.

Could you offer three brief top tips for first-year optometry students?

• Keep a balance between work and down-time.

• Take the time to make new friends.

• Don’t compare yourself to others, everyone has their own path.